Vocabulary for Section 1 Geography and the Rise of Rome

Republic A political system in which people elect leaders to govern them

Dictator A ruler who has almost absolute power

Plebeians The common people of ancient Rome

Patricians The nobility (wealthy) in Roman society

Aeneas What they are known for: Legendary Roman hero, the Romans traced their history back to Aeneas. Aeneas was a Trojan hero who left troy after the Trojan War, eventually settling in Italy as told in the famous poem the Aeneid by the poet Virgil Where they lived: Italy When they lived: 2500’s BC

Romulus and Remus What they are known for: Twin brothers that built a city that eventually became Rome. Legend claims they were raised by wolves when they were abandoned by their human parents Built the city to honor where the wolf had rescued them, Romulus killed brother in a fit of anger and named city after himself- hence “Rome” Where they lived: Rome, Italy When they lived: 753 BC

Cincinnatus What they are known for: Roman dictator, he was chosen by the Romans to defend their lands from attack. He was a farmer. Later, he willingly gave up power upon defeating the city’s enemies and went back to his farm before his 6 month reign was even complete. He was considered and ideal leader by the Romans. Where they lived: Rome, Italy When they lived:519 BC

KIM Vocabulary Words Magistrates- powerful, elected officials in Rome’s Government Consuls- the two most powerful magistrates in Rome Roman Senate-Council of wealthy and powerful Romans that advised the city’s leaders.

KIM Vocabulary Continued Veto- power to prohibit actions by other officials granted to the Tribunes. Latin- Roman Language Checks and Balances-method to balance power to keep one part of the government from becoming stronger than another Forum-Rome’s public meeting place- center of life of Rome.